St. Marys Council To Consider Data Center Moratorium

St. Marys City Council reviewed several items during its latest meeting, including a possible moratorium on data centers in the city.

St. Marys Mayor Joe Hurlburt said an individual addressed council with concerns about data centers, specifically the potential strain they could place on local utilities, including water and electricity. Hurlburt said concerns were also raised about possible noise impacts for nearby residents.

Hurlburt said city administration has discussed the issue in recent months and is not currently in favor of bringing data centers into the community. He said the concern is that such facilities could place too much strain on city resources.

Council has asked Law Director Zach Farrell to prepare a moratorium for consideration at the next council meeting. Hurlburt said the city is not necessarily opposed to data centers forever, but wants more time to see how technology develops and how similar communities are affected by those facilities.

Council also reviewed a liquor permit transfer request for Pantry Pride Market in St. Marys. The business has been sold to a new owner, requiring the liquor permit to be transferred. Police Chief Luke Turpin reported no issues with the request.

Mayor Hurlburt also recognized Law Enforcement Appreciation Week, thanking officers in St. Marys and across the area for their service.

Council heard a second reading of a resolution opposing Enbridge Gas Ohio’s request to increase distribution rates. The resolution also asks the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to deny the utility’s request. That measure will move to a third reading at the next meeting.

Council also heard new legislation authorizing the mayor to enter into a partnership agreement with Auglaize County for the county’s fiscal year 2026 Community Housing Impact and Preservation program, also known as the CHIP grant application. Hurlburt said the program can help qualifying low income homeowners with repairs such as roofs, windows, furnaces, air conditioning and other home needs.

The next St. Marys City Council meeting was originally scheduled for Memorial Day, May 25th, but council voted to move it to Wednesday, May 27th at 6:30 p.m.